When to Plant Petunia in Licking County, OH
Petunias (Petunia x hybrida) are warm-season tender annuals prized for their prolific, trumpet-shaped blooms in nearly every color. They perform from hanging baskets to garden borders and bloom continuously from late spring until frost, provided spent flowers are removed regularly.
Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Licking County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Petunia during the growing season.
Licking County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Petunia Planting Timeline — Licking County, OH
Petunia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Bloom | July 10 | Jul 10 – Oct 16 |
· 12" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Licking County
Growing Tips for Licking County
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; seeds need light to germinate — press onto moist mix surface, do not cover. Transplant after last frost once nights stay above 50°F. Pinch back leggy plants mid-summer to encourage bushy re-bloom. Wave/spreading types tolerate light shade but bloom less. Feed every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer once established.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Petunia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Petunia in Licking County, OH?
Licking County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Petunia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Licking County, OH?
Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Licking County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Licking County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.